When I first heard about some teachers at my school planning to dance on stage for a Variety Show scholarship fundraiser, I chuckled. They must be really talented, I thought.
After one of the first meetings a colleague spoke to me and encouraged me to join. She insisted the moves weren’t difficult and that we would have so much fun. I said maybe.
The next week I arrived a few minutes earlier for work and joined a group of about 15 staff members in the cafeteria. Music was blasting and everyone was watching our young assistant principal and following her moves. I left that first rehearsal smiling and actually feeling like I had exercised. I had laughed and moved around a bit. It was fun.
For the next two weeks we met a little before school started and learned our routine. We had 25 staff members volunteer to participate in this event. I even went to the dress rehearsal at the high school the day before.
On the day of the performance, I showed my kindergarten students the video of the assistant principal demonstrating the dance moves. My little kiddos helped me get the moves right. We took a dance break during snack and practiced the routine. They all promised to come see me but I told them that if they couldn’t make it I’d be sure to show them the video next week.
Since my house is only one mile from the school where I work, I invited everyone back to my house for dinner. Our lovely assistant principal treated to pizzas. It was nice to have dinner here, and not at the school. It was also a big step for me. I have had family over, but I haven’t really hosted any other get togethers in my home since Mike passed. It was nice to know I could still do it.
Well, we got to the high school in plenty of time. In fact we waited in the sound proof orchestra room for over an hour before show time. The butterflies in our bellies fluttered and we giggled as we took so many selfies of ourselves.
When our big moment arrived, they closed the curtains and we had to find our spots on stage in the dark. Since we had never really assigned ourselves spots it was a bit tricky but it all worked out. I actually remembered all the steps (the earlier practice had helped). We laughed and had a blast.
Celebrating our debut out in town as a large dance group after the show was fun too. I had time to catch up with some colleagues who I don’t always have time to visit with. I’m glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and was encouraged to participate. I may even sign up to do it again next year.
